Network Hijacking

[baylok]

This past weekend, I was doing a little maintenance on the wireless network I have at home. Wireless is convenient if you don't have the space or ability to easily run wires, but it does pose some problems.

I had reloaded the network drivers for one of the machines on my network. When I went searching for wireless networks to connect to, I noticed that my next door neighbors had a wireless network. I was able to connect my computer to it. And send them and email. Using their connection. Their ISP.

In the email I sent, I told them that I was using their internet connection, and that they needed to secure their network - especially if they were sharing files, printers, and other resources (and I plan on helping them do that this weekend).

It is extremely important, because you may not know until it is too late that someone has been nosing around in your stuff.

A good place to start is here.

 

[Vic C.]

I was about to mention high encryption, but the site you posted mentioned it.

I need to check this forum more often.

 

[gospelmidi]

File and printer sharing

If File and Printer Sharing is checked, a firewall is disabled or not present, and TCP/IP is used for the internal network protocol, a church would probably be held liable in court for exposing member records to the internet. It HAS happened (the exposure, not the lawsuit).

If counseling records were exposed, the damage could be life-threatening.

 

[Vic C.]

Yup. I went good ol' cat5 when I did our LAN.

 

[stovebolts]

Re: File and printer sharing

If File and Printer Sharing is checked, a firewall is disabled or not present, and TCP/IP is used for the internal network protocol, a church would probably be held liable in court for exposing member records to the internet. It HAS happened (the exposure, not the lawsuit).

If counseling records were exposed, the damage could be life-threatening.

That's why for a small business, I recomend either a sonic wall (if they have money and not a lot of tech experience) or Mandrakes SNF (Single Network Firewall) which is a free download unless you want tech support. (currently not supported anymore from Mandrake due to the release of MNF)